2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1998 Ferrari F355
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1998 Ferrari F355.
Because 1998 Ferrari F355 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Ferrari F355. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari F355 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1998 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | 166 | F355 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 82 L |
